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Hi guys at first I didn't have a clue as to why my C5 wouldn't start with no warning. Now looking back, I remember on several occasions when I'd stop for a few minutes return to my car and crank it for it to shut off and I'd have to take the key out of the ignition for 10 seconds and restart. Was on my way out yesterday and car wouldn't click, thump or crank. Battery is fine, I've checked my neutral safety switch and although I've not checked the starter or solenoid, I'm doubtful it's that. Even checked the silver box under the passengers side. The security light is flashing when the ignition is switched off and when I open the doors. Do I have a hatchback or Coupe!?
Could that be the problem??? If so, how can I fix it myself?
Sounds like a VATS problem . There is a sensor in the. Ignition switch that reads the resistor chip in your key. Try cleaning the key and if you have a spare key try it. It’s possible to bypass the VATS by putting a resistor that matches your key in the circuit.
Could be the starter. Mine would randomly just not start, no sound, nothing, go back a few minutes later, or an hour, etc. and it would start right up. It progressively got worse, and happened more often. Replaced starter, and never had the issue again in years.
Your Security light should be off when you turn the key to start, and you should hear a click sound from the TDR. The TDR is the relay that sends 12v to energize the starter and is located above the BCM "silver box" in the passenger footwell area. You can insert a wire jumper between the red and purple wires at the TDR socket, but make absolutely sure that the car is in neutral because if there is nothing wrong with the starter the car will crank over and start if the key is on. Hope this helps to figure out what is wrong because you don't want to just start throwing parts at it.
Before doing anything to the ignition switch, and after cleaning/changing to another key, try squirting some CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner into the key hole. I had similar issues several years ago (maybe 4-5), did the squirt, and no further issues.
Wont crank? Not sure if these are the same as f-bodies the pull key wait 10 seconds is a different issue from a dirty vats key or vats bypass. My 98 z28 did this multiple times in 2009-2010 would turn to start and leave the security light on. Id have to wait 5-20 minutes before it would crank and start. Eventually it never had that problem again but i think if the fbody ls1 is same as corvette with the vats key chip it could be that.
I dont think i had a second key but did have a working key fob i used to unlock the car everytime. I possibly thought the vats chip was dirty as i did my own mechanic work, clutch, headers etc.
Pink Lady
